Are LED Signs Allowed in Nelson, Cherokee County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are allowed within designated commercial and industrial zoning districts in Nelson.
"Electronic message centers may be incorporated as part of freestanding, monument, or wall signs. Off-premise messages are prohibited. Signs must comply with height, area, and setback restrictions set forth in this chapter."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Nelson Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Nelson Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and Industrial zones (specific districts per GIS) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in ROW | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line or as per district regulations |
| Use restrictions | Only for commercial, institutional, or industrial uses; no off-premise advertising |
Zoning District Overview
Nelson has several commercial and industrial zoning districts where EMC signs are allowed. Check the official GIS zoning map to identify the exact district for a property:
Commercial & Industrial Zoning Table
| Requirement | Commercial | Industrial |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Monument | Wall, Freestanding, Monument |
| Max number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage | 1 per frontage |
| Max area | 50 sq. ft. | 75 sq. ft. |
| Max height | 20 ft | 25 ft |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Mechanical motion | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| ROW projection | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft | 10 ft |
Permit Filing Requirements
-
Required forms: Sign Permit Application, Electrical Permit (if illuminated)
-
Permit fee: Varies by size and district; check the official portal
Local Project Example (Optional)
A commercial developer installed a 4x8 EMC on a freestanding monument sign along Main Street. The sign complied with all setback, height, and illumination regulations and received a permit within two weeks.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
Chapter 19.1 – Sign Regulations (Excerpt):
"Electronic message centers may be incorporated as part of freestanding, monument, or wall signs. Off-premise messages are prohibited. Signs must comply with height, area, and setback restrictions set forth in this chapter."
External References
🗺️ Nelson Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Nelson Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal